John 7:37-39
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 7:37-39 a couple of times focusing in on the words of Jesus.
In the progression of this story (which spans all of John, Chapter 7) Jesus first stays far away, then comes to the festival incognito, and then openly teaches in the temple. In today’s passage, Jesus shouts for everyone to hear.
When humans first rebelled against God’s good and perfect way, God’s grace became harder to find. God didn’t hide grace from people, but sin has a blinding effect that obscures the grace of God. Once people turned from God to go their own way, they were no longer able on their own to turn around and see God’s open arms.
In Jesus, God’s grace is on display. Jesus has the power to open people’s eyes and bring them back to who they were supposed to be. His invitation is not to a small or elite segment of humanity, his invitation is open to everyone – to all of us.
In the New Testament, the word “grace” can be defined as the favor of God given as a gift from God. Jesus invites us to drink deeply of God’s grace. This invitation is not based on our worthiness or efforts, it emanates from God’s love for each of us. Stop to contemplate this for a moment and share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read John 7:37-39 again picturing the river of living water as you read.
The nature of the Kingdom of God is multiplication. Jesus takes what we bring to him - a small amount of faith, an open heart, a desire to know him - and he fills us to overflowing so we can take his love and hope to the world around us. When Jesus is the center of our lives, we become fountains of his grace.
Get quiet and still for a moment and receive your breath as a gift from Jesus. As you inhale and exhale deeply, breathe in the name of Jesus and exhale your tension until you feel calm and centered.
When you are ready, spend a moment imagining that you are drinking in Jesus’ grace and that rivers of living water are gushing out of your soul.
What is Jesus inviting you to today? Is there something he would like to give you or something he would like you to do? Write down anything you sense Jesus saying to you right now, and be sure to follow through if an action is involved.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
